THE RETREAT

The beautifully appointed villa, designed by PikeWithers, consists of a large, open-plan dining/lounge room, complete with log fire, reverse cycle air conditioning and all the creature comforts of home. There is a TV, with Netflix, hidden in the wall panel above the fireplace and a small selection of books and board games. A telephone is available in the villa as there is limited mobile reception in the Valley. The villa sleeps two adults in a luxurious king size bed complete with Frette and Yves Delorme linen.

The bathroom has a heated floor, twin basins and a ‘large-enough-for-two’ rainwater shower. For the ultimate in relaxation, choose to layback in a sumptuous spoon bath in front of a 2.5 metre high window overlooking the olive grove. Essential toiletries are of fine quality and dressing gowns and slippers are also provided.

The fully equipped chef’s kitchen is stocked with all the essentials including a multifunction microwave oven, 2 burner induction cook top, dishwasher, 248 litre fridge/ freezer and BBQ/griller on the porch for outdoor cooking, allowing you the choice to prepare your own meals or select from a variety of delicious meals from Buon Ricordo, ordered before your arrival. A self-catering breakfast is included in the tariff and includes Ocean Trout, eggs, bacon, Grain wood-fired bread and Sonoma muesli, as well as jams and condiments, and our very own marmalade and olive oil from the property.

A massage in or around your villa can be organised for the ultimate in relaxation. Our local masseurs, Kylie Fountain ( 0411 205 947 ) saltysnowfairy@gmail.com or Jo Potter, (0437977798 ) www.huntervalleygetabout.com.au would be happy to add to your relaxation experience.

THE PROPERTY

Nestled in the valley just outside the small village of Wollombi and surroundedby the Watagan ranges Valleyfield offers a tranquility that few others can match. Set in bush surroundings with 2.5acres of lush gardens, designed by Michael Cook on over 230 acres, bordered by the Wollombi brook, the property is home to native flora as well as a few mediterranean imports.

The farm produces olives, mainly for use in Armando’s restaurant Buon Ricordo and has thousands of trees in two large groves. Guests are encouraged to pick from the wide variety of edible plants and herbs, as well as the dozens of varieties of fruit and vegetables, growing near the guest villa.

Wildlife is in abundance with a family of kangaroos visiting daily at dawn and dusk. They can usually be spotted amongst the olive groves. Wombats, platypus (although these are shy creatures), turtles, geckos, frogs, ducks, various local birds and fantastic coloured butterflies.

The property is also home to a small herd of cattle, so please shut any closed gates if you walk through the paddocks. Valleyfield presents a diverse range of Australian sculptures throughout the manicured gardens and we invite our guests to explore, taking advantage of the countless photo opportunities.